Arrangement of ignition electrodes of electrically ignited gas lighters

ABSTRACT

One ignition electrode is arranged above the gas discharging nozzle of the gas lighter and extends into the central zone of the gas jet to function as a gas reflecting member; the other electrode is located outside this central zone.

United States Patent Pietzonka et al.

[451 Nov. 28, 1972 ARRANGEIVIENT OF IGNITION ELECTRODES OF ELECTRICALLYIGNITED GAS LIGHTERS Inventors: Helmut Pietzonka, Offenbach/Main; HansSchindler, Egelsbach, both of Germany Assignee: BraunAktiengesellschaft, Frankfurt/Main, Germany Filed: Aug. 24, 1970 Appl.No.: 66,290

Foreign Application Priority Data Aug. 23, 1969 Germany ..P 19 43 048.9

US. Cl. ..431/264 Int. Cl ..F23q 2/08 Field of Search ..43 1/254, 255,264, 266

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,493,313 2/ 1970 Schlamp..43 1/264 X 3,521,987 7/1970 Goro ..431/264 X 3,263,729 8/1966 Fetteret a1. ..43l/266' FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,158,720 7/1969 GreatBritain ..431/255 Primary Examiner-Edward G. Favors Attomey-Ernest F.Marmorek [57] ABSTRACT One ignition electrode is arranged above the gasdischarging nozzle of the gas lighter and extends into the central zoneof the gas jet to function as a gas reflecting member; the otherelectrode is located outside this central zone.

13 Claims, 6 Drawing figures ARRANGEMENT OF IGNITION ELECTRODES OFELECTRICALLY IGNITED GAS LIGHTERS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Thisinvention relates generally to electrically ignited gas lighters and,more particularly, to an arrangement of the ignition electrodes of suchlighters.

In prior art designs of ignition electrodes the problem of reliableignition of the gas jet from the outlet nozzle has not yet beencompletely solved. Unreliable ignition occurs especially in the casewhen a low performance ignition source is employed, or when the gas jetfrom the outlet nozzle has an excessive speed which results, forinstance, from an incorrect adjustment of the control valve of theoutlet nozzle.

To remove this disadvantage, a powerful ignition system has beenapplied. The high performance ignition system, however, occupies anincreased space within the gas lighter of the gas tank volume must becorrespondingly reduced. The gas tank reduction is particularlydisadvantageous in pocket gas lighter where the necessity of aninconveniently frequent refilling will result. In addition, due to theincreased performance and dimensions of the ignition system, theproduction and operational costs of the lighter are also increased.

Various arrangements of ignition electrodes have been already suggestedfor conventional gas lighters, but they have also failed to solve theabove mentioned problem. For example, in a gas lighter with an annularoutlet nozzle, that is with a nozzle similar to that of the Bunzenburner, an electrode arrangement has been employed in which the entirespark gap lies within a zone at the level of the outlet nozzle where thestochiometric mixture is being formed. It has been also known that theignition electrodes may be supported at various distances from theoutlet nozzle, but in all prior art electrode arrangements the tips ofboth electrodes did not reach to the axis of the gas nozzle and of thetorch. For this reason, a comparatively complicated torch structure musthave been designed and, besides, this known arrangement does notguarantee that the ignition will take place at the optimum range of thegas jet, since with a changing adjustment of the flame height theconcentration of the gas-air mixture between the ignition electrodeswill vary accordingly. Consequently, it has appeared, especially in gaslighters with light duty ignition systems, that a relatively high rateof ignition failures takes place.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, a general object of thisinvention to avoid the disadvantages of known ignition systems of thegas lighters.

More specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide anarrangement of ignition electrodes for the gas lighter which insures anextremely reliable ignition of the gas discharged from the outletnozzle.

Another object of this invention is to improve cooling of the ignitionelectrode system.

Still another object of this invention is to reduce size of theelectrode ignition system, thereby increasing the fuel tank capacity.

According to this invention, the above objects are attained by arrangingone of the electrodes in such a manner as to project into the centralzone of the gas jetting from the gas discharge nozzle, and as tofunction as a reflecting body for the impinging gas jet portion.

Beneath the central zone of the discharged gas jet, there is alance-shaped region of pure gas, that is of the gas without any air-gasmixture, and after the ignition this region is recognizable as a shadowcentral zone within the flame. Due to the gas reflecting effect of theelectrode crossing the axis of the gas jet at a level which is within orslightly above the pure gas or central zone, the ignition processbecomes perfectly reliable. This extreme reliability of the ignitionoperation is caused by the fact that the optimum gas-air mixture alwaysoccurs at least at one spot within the range of the spark gap betweenthe tips of the gas reflecting electrode and the other electrode. Theother electrode is situated preferably out of the range of the gas jet,that is in pure air. In the latter case there will occur a full scope ofairgas mixtures having all possible concentrations.

In a known arrangement where the two ignition electrodes are arrangedoutside the gas jet, a like effect will also result but the spacebetween the tips of the ignition electrodes is twice as large as thatbetween the electrodes arranged in accordance with this invention and,consequently, the voltage source must be increased. Without theoverdimensioning of the ignition system, a perfect ignition reliabilityin conventional electrode arrangements cannot be attained.

In the arrangement of this invention, the gas reflecting ignitionelectrode can be disposed at any vertical level within this centralzone. That is, it can be positioned either immediately above the outletnozzle opening or as far as at the uppermost region of the central zone.

The spacing between the tips of the ignition electrodes is in the rangeof 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably between 1 mm to 2 mm, subject to theemployed voltage and capacity of the electric power source.

It is advantageous when the gas reflecting electrode is arrangedperpendicularly to the axis of the gas jet and when the outer electrodelies in its plane. It is also advantageous when the gas reflectingelectrode that projects into the central zone of the gas jet has athermally and electrically conductive connection with a metal portion ofthe chassis of the lighter having a large thermal capacity.

For the operation of the lighter, it is irrelevant whether the electrodewithin the central zone of the gas jet has a positive or negativepolarity; since the negative pole of the voltage source is, as a rule,connected to the chassis of the lighter, the gas reflecting electrode isalso connected to the negative pole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING For a betterunderstanding of the invention,-

reference is made to the following detailed description of severalexemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the figures of theaccompanying drawing, in

which:

FIG. 1 is a cutaway elevational view, partly in section, of a basicarrangement of the ignition electrodes of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a similar view as shown in FIG. 1 of the ignition electrodesarranged in a protective tube;

FIG. 3 is a cutaway elevational view, partly in section, of anothermodification of the arrangement of FIG. 2',

FIG. 4 is an elevational view, partly in section, of a gas lighter withelectric ignition electrodes arranged in accordance with FIG. 3;

FIG. is a plan view, partly in section, of still another modification ofthe arrangement of the ignition electrodes; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the electrode arrangement of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 shows an outlet nozzle 1 through which a jetof gas 2 to be ignited is discharged. Perpendicularly to the axis of thegas jet 2, a first ignition electrode 3 projects into the central zoneof the gas jet 2, preferably beyond the axis of the gas jet, therebyacting as a gas reflecting body. A second ignition electrode 4 islocated in pure air outside the gas jet 2 and opposite to the tip of thefirst electrode 3. The distance between the tips of the electrodes 3 and4 is in the range of 0.5

mm to 3 mm, subject to the voltage applied.

With reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, a protective metal tube 5 is coaxiallydisposed around the nozzle 1 and the gas jet 2, whereby the ignitionelectrodes 3 and 4 are supported by the tube 5. The gas reflectingelectrode 3, projecting into the gas jet 2, has one end integral withthe tube 5, whereas the outer electrode 4 is supported in an insulatingbushing 51 passing through the wall of the tube 5. The bushing 51 may besituated either at the level of the gas reflecting first electrode 3FIG. 2), or it may be also arranged at a lower level and the projectingportion of the tip of the first electrode 3 (FIG. 3).

FIG. 4 schematically shows the structure of a complete gas lighter withignition electrodes arranged at different levels of the protective tube5, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The protective tube 5 is made of anelectrically and thermally conductive material and is fastened by screws52 and 53 to the metal chassis 6 of the lighter. The electrodes 3 and 4are connected to a conventional source of a high voltage. The firstelectrode 3 is directly connected via the electrically conductiveprotective tube 5 and the metal chassis 6 to the negative pole of thehigh voltage source. The second, outer electrode 4, passes through theinsulating bushing 51 and is coupled via suitable switching means (notillustrated) to the positive pole of the voltage source.

In another modification of the arrangement of the invention, asillustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the ignition electrodes 3 and 4 areattached to the arms of a U- shaped metal strip 6 which is secured atits intermediate portion by screws 61 and 62 to the chassis 6 of thelighter. The negative, gas reflecting electrode 3 forms an integral partof one arm of the U-shaped strip 6', and projects into the central zoneof the gas jet from the nozzle 1. The other arm of the metal strip 6supports the insulating bushing 51 which contains the positive electrode4. Similarly as in the previously described modifications, the metalstrip 6' is of electrically and thermally conductive material and issecured to the chassis 6 in such a manner that the axis of the ignitionelectrodes 3 and 4 is perpendicular to the axis of the gas jet. Thenegative electrode 3 which projects into the central zone of the gas jetand functions as a gas reflecting body insures in cooperation with thepositive electrode 4 that is located outside the gas jet optimumconditions for reliable ignition of the gas.

The outlet nozzle 1 is made preferably of a temperature resistantinsulating material and is set up on a torch valve, so that no electricdischarge from the ignition electrodes can occur.

We wish it to be understood that we do not desire to be limited to theexact details of construction shown and described, for obviousmodifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

Having thus described the invention, what we claim as new and desire tobe secured by Letters Patent, is as follows: i

1. An arrangement in an electrically ignited gas lighter having achassis and gas discharging means supported thereby, said gasdischarging means including a nozzle,

comprising, in combination,

two ignition wire electrodes,

one of said electrodes extending substantially centrally into the zoneof the gas jet discharged from said gas discharging means andintersecting the axial projection of said nozzle, thereby action as agas reflecting body, the tip of the second ignition electrode beingdisposed outside said zone at such a position with respect to the tip ofsaid one electrode as to define a spark-gap intersecting the region ofgas reflected from said one electrode.

2. An arrangement according to claim 1, said predetermined distancebetween the tips of said electrodes being in the range of from about 0.5mm to about 3 mm.

3. An arrangement according to claim 1, said one electrode beingarranged substantially perpendicularly to the axis of said gasdischarging means.

.4. An arrangement according to claim 1, including a chassis having aportion of an increased thermal capacity, and said one electrode beingthermally connected to said chassis portion.

5. An arrangement according to claim 4, and an electric circuitincluding said electrodes and a voltage source having its negative poleconnected to said chassis portion with increased thermal capacity.

6. An arrangement according to claim 1, said gas lighter furthercomprising a protective tube coaxially arranged around said gasdischarging means and said zone of the gas discharge, and said first andsecond ignition electrodes being supported on said protective tube.

7. An arrangement according to claim 1, said gas discharging meansincluding a nozzle of insulating material.

8. An arrangement according to claim 1 wherein, one of said electrodesis disposed near said gas discharging means and extends substantiallycentrally into the zone of the gas jet discharged from said gasdischarging means in such a manner as to cross the axis of said gas jetat a level of the top portion of the resulting lance shaped region ofpure gas.

9. 7 An arrangement in an electrically ignited gas lighter having achassis and gas discharging means supported thereby, said gasdischarging means including a nozzle,

comprising, in combination,

two ignition electrodes,

one of said electrodes extending substantially centrally into the zoneof the gas jet discharged from said gas discharging means intersectingthe axial projection of said nozzle, thereby acting as a gas reflectingbody, the tip of the second ignition electrode being disposed outsidesaid zone at a predetermined distance from the tip of said oneelectrode, a protective tube coaxially arranged around said gasdischarging means and said zone of the gas discharge, said first andsecond ignition electrodes being supported on said protective tube, saidprotective tube including an insulating bushing, said first electrodebeing integral with the wall of said protective tube, and said secondelectrode being supported in said insulation bushing passing throughsaid wall of said protective tube.

10. An arrangement according to claim 9, said ignition electrodes beingarranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis of said gas dischargingmeans.

11. An arrangement according to claim 9, said insulation bushing passingthrough said protective tube at a lower level than that of said firstelectrode, whereby the projecting portion of said second electrode beingbent towards the tip of said first electrode.

12. An arrangement in an electrically ignited gas lighter having achassis and gas discharging means supported thereby, said gasdischarging means including a 5 nozzle,

of said metal piece including an insulating bushing, said firstelectrode being conductively connected with the other arm of said metalpiece, and said insulating bushing supporting said second electrode.

1. An arrangement in an electrically ignited gas lighter having achassis and gas discharging means supported thereby, said gasdischarging means including a nozzle, comprising, in combination, twoignition wire electrodes, one of said electrodes extending substantiallycentrally into the zone of the gas jet discharged from said gasdischarging means and intersecting the axial projection of said nozzle,thereby action as a gas reflecting body, the tip of the second ignitionelectrode being disposed outside said zone at such a position withrespect to the tip of said one electrode as to define a spark-gapintersecting the region of gas reflected from said one electrode.
 2. AnarrangemenT according to claim 1, said predetermined distance betweenthe tips of said electrodes being in the range of from about 0.5 mm toabout 3 mm.
 3. An arrangement according to claim 1, said one electrodebeing arranged substantially perpendicularly to the axis of said gasdischarging means.
 4. An arrangement according to claim 1, including achassis having a portion of an increased thermal capacity, and said oneelectrode being thermally connected to said chassis portion.
 5. Anarrangement according to claim 4, and an electric circuit including saidelectrodes and a voltage source having its negative pole connected tosaid chassis portion with increased thermal capacity.
 6. An arrangementaccording to claim 1, said gas lighter further comprising a protectivetube coaxially arranged around said gas discharging means and said zoneof the gas discharge, and said first and second ignition electrodesbeing supported on said protective tube.
 7. An arrangement according toclaim 1, said gas discharging means including a nozzle of insulatingmaterial.
 8. An arrangement according to claim 1 wherein, one of saidelectrodes is disposed near said gas discharging means and extendssubstantially centrally into the zone of the gas jet discharged fromsaid gas discharging means in such a manner as to cross the axis of saidgas jet at a level of the top portion of the resulting lance shapedregion of pure gas.
 9. An arrangement in an electrically ignited gaslighter having a chassis and gas discharging means supported thereby,said gas discharging means including a nozzle, comprising, incombination, two ignition electrodes, one of said electrodes extendingsubstantially centrally into the zone of the gas jet discharged fromsaid gas discharging means intersecting the axial projection of saidnozzle, thereby acting as a gas reflecting body, the tip of the secondignition electrode being disposed outside said zone at a predetermineddistance from the tip of said one electrode, a protective tube coaxiallyarranged around said gas discharging means and said zone of the gasdischarge, said first and second ignition electrodes being supported onsaid protective tube, said protective tube including an insulatingbushing, said first electrode being integral with the wall of saidprotective tube, and said second electrode being supported in saidinsulation bushing passing through said wall of said protective tube.10. An arrangement according to claim 9, said ignition electrodes beingarranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis of said gas dischargingmeans.
 11. An arrangement according to claim 9, said insulation bushingpassing through said protective tube at a lower level than that of saidfirst electrode, whereby the projecting portion of said second electrodebeing bent towards the tip of said first electrode.
 12. An arrangementin an electrically ignited gas lighter having a chassis and gasdischarging means supported thereby, said gas discharging meansincluding a nozzle, comprising, in combination, two ignition electrodes,one of said electrodes extending substantially centrally into the zoneof the gas jet discharged from said gas discharging means intersectingthe axial projection of said nozzle, thereby acting as a gas reflectingbody, said gas lighter further comprising a U-shaped metal piece, eachof said ignition electrodes being supported in an arm of said U-shapedmetal piece, respectively, whereby the intermediate portion of saidmetal piece being secured to said chassis of the lighter.
 13. Anarrangement according to claim 12, one arm of said metal piece includingan insulating bushing, said first electrode being conductively connectedwith the other arm of said metal piece, and said insulating bushingsupporting said second electrode.